Did I Test Too Early?

[pisces225]

I'm going to make a long story short.  I tested negative for HIV in June.  I began a sexual relationship on July 2nd that was primarily unprotected (mostly without a condom, he would pull out).  We stopped having sex July 15.  Since I had reason to believe the man was a liar, I tested for HIV again on July 30th.  That test was also negative.  I know I need to take another test.  But is 2 - 3 weeks enough time to have valid HIV results?  Can I trust that negative result?

[pisces225]

Update on this story~!   Last sexual contact - July 15.  HIV rapid test on 9/1 is negative!  Another rapid test TODAY 10/5/2011 - and that is also NEGATIVE!!  

I feel great and consider myself HIV negative :-)  

[really_worried_guy]

Your 6 weeks negative result is really encouraging. Various HIV experts suggest that at 6 weeks, 95 to 99% of people have positive antibody test. If you want 100% assurance, get another test at 12 weeks. But at this point, the chance that you will turn positive is minuscule.

[pisces225]

Thanks all!  September 1st was the 6 week mark.  I tested negative again.  I'm hoping and praying that when I test early-mid October that I'm still testing negative!  That will be the 12 week post exposure test.

[Teak]

A 3 month post exposure test will be conclusive. worried4144 post was incorrect.

[pisces225]

Thanks all!  I will get tested in a few weeks.

[worried4144]

You can take standalone antibody test in 6-8 weeks and it will give you conclusive results. Or at 4 weeks, you can take the duo test which includes antibody + p24 antigen test and its conclusive at 4 weeks. Most common ARS symptoms are fever, skin rash, and sore throat, and these symptoms usually appear at the same time. Your symptoms are not worrisome of HIV. Since you are sexually active, its good that you get tested regularly anyways. Get tested for a piece of mind.

[ricky_id]

Assessing HIV from symptoms is mostly irrelevant.

[pisces225]

Thank you for responding.  Another question....would I have symptoms this early?  I feel like I have swollen glands, a sore throat and lower back pain.  But no fever or rash.